Device for washing women&#39;s brassiere

ABSTRACT

The novel support device is generally formed from two main members. They are the right frame assembly and the left frame assembly. The right frame and the left frame are connected with a center hinge mechanism that allows the right frame and the left frame to fold towards each other. When folded together, these frames are secured to each other using one or more latching means located on the outer boundary of each frame. The latching means are positioned on each frame so as to engage the corresponding latch engages each other. In the folded configuration, the brassiere and its straps are enclosed within the folded and secured frames. In this folded configuration, the support device protects the brassiere from mechanical and physical damage while simultaneously allowing the surfaces of the brassiere to be exposed to the washing process. The two frame members are each integrally formed of polymeric material or other similar material that does not rust or corrode.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to woman's bra and more specifically to a noveldevice within which a brassiere is placed so that it can be washed in amanner that minimizes damage. The device is then placed inside aconventional dishwasher or washing machine and the machine is runthrough a washing cycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Using a brassiere and other such undergarments to support women'sbreasts is a common practice. The use of the term brassiere includes thecommon word “bra” is meant to identify those undergarments used by womento support their breasts. Since the brassiere is an undergarment, it issubject to body secretions and stains that render the undergarmentdirty. Many brassieres are of a specialized nature and can be costly toreplace. Trying to wash a brassiere in a clothes washer or dishwasherwithout any support structure commonly subjects the brassiere topremature damage.

Most of the structures that have been invented in the past that relateto cleaning general hats and caps. The Sawyer U.S. Pat. No. 1,128,530 isdirected to an adjustable hat block to maintain the shape of the hat.The Wolkenhauer U.S. Pat. No. 2,038,698 is directed to a hat cleaningdevice that is again used after the hat has been cleaned and for thepurpose of forming the hat to its proper shape.

Other devices have been invented for drying ball caps. The Smith U.S.Pat. No. 2,704,176 is directed to such a device. It has a frame workthat is inserted into the interior of the crown portion of the ball capto stretch it tight. The Payne et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,491,256 isdirected to a ball cap drying insert for ball caps. The Grommes U.S.Pat. No. 4,708,271 is directed to a hat drying form. The Thomas et al.U.S. Pat. No. 4,941,601 is directed to a cap dryer and shaper. TheFinney et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,172,837 is a device for washing a ball capin a dishwasher formed from a male top frame assembly and a femalebottom frame assembly that nest together in a stacked formation.

None of the prior art devices have been designed to be placed into adishwashing or washing machine for the purpose of washing a brassiereencapsulated or enclosed within the supporting device.

It is an object of the invention to provide a novel device into which abrassiere may be placed and then put into the interior of a conventionaldishwasher or washing machine for the purpose of washing the same.

It is another object of the invention to provide a novel device that iseconomical to manufacture and market.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a novel device that ismade of material that will not rust or corrode.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide a novel devicethat can be easily used by either a teenager or adult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The novel support device is generally formed from two main members. Theyare the right frame assembly and the left frame assembly. The rightframe and the left frame are connected with a center hinge mechanismthat allows the right frame and the left frame to fold towards eachother. When folded together, these frames are secured to each otherusing one or more latching means located on the outer boundary of eachframe. The latching means are positioned on each frame so as to engagethe corresponding latch engages each other. In the folded configuration,the brassiere and its straps are enclosed within the folded and securedframes. In this folded configuration, the support device protects thebrassiere from mechanical and physical damage while simultaneouslyallowing the surfaces of the brassiere to be exposed to the washingprocess. The two frame members are each integrally formed of polymericmaterial or other similar material that does not rust or corrode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating the typical brassiereposition behind the supporting device.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view illustrating of a typical brassiere.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view illustrating the right and leftframes and the hinge mechanism of the present invention supportingdevice.

FIG. 4 is another front perspective view of a typical brassier beingshown to demonstrate the first step in positioning the brassiere behindthe supporting device.

FIG. 5 is a side perspective view illustrating the left frame and rightframe in a folded configuration and enclosing the brassiere.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the typical brassiere enclosedwithin the support device in a folded configuration, ready for washingin a dishwasher or washing machine.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The novel brassiere supporting device will now be described by referringto FIGS. 1-6 of the drawings. Referring to FIG. 1, the brassieresupporting device is generally designated as numeral 10. The brassieresupporting device 10 is generally composed of a right frame assembly 12,a left frame assembly 14, a hinge mechanism 36, and with one or moreright 16 and left 18 latching means. Each frame assemble is composed ofa centrally located right apex 20 and a centrally located left apex 22,with each apex connected to the end of a plurality of ribs (24 a and 24b), with the opposite end of the plurality of ribs connected to an outercircular member 16 (right) and 18 (left). This structure results in aplurality of right openings 26 and left openings 28 for the ingress andegress of the cleansing agents. Attached to the outer circular membersare a plurality of latching means 34 a, attached to right outer circularmember 16 and 34 b, attached to left outer circular member 18. Betweenthe right outer circular member 16 and the left outer circular member 18is a hinge mechanism 36 which foldably connects right frame assembly 12to left frame assembly 14. The latching means 34 a and 34 b arepositioned such that when the right frame assembly 12 and left frameassembly 14 are folded together using the hinge mechanism 36, theplurality of right latching means 34 a are correspondingly aligned anddesigned to engage the matching left latching means 34 b. While thepresent invention demonstrated in FIGS. 1-6 is the preferredembodiments, the Applicant anticipates that the overall design andconfiguration of the components may be modified from the examples shownwithin deviating from the function of the present invention. Forexample, the centrally located right apex 20 and centrally located leftapex 22 may have shapes other than circular, for example, they may beoval, triangular, square or another configuration. In addition, thenumber of ribs 24 a and 24 b, shown in the demonstrated example is sixwithin each frame assembly. It is not essential that the presentinvention have six ribs 24 a and 24 b on each frame, as fewer or moreribs can be used, so long as the number of ribs connecting the centrallylocated apexes 12, 14 to the outer circular members 16, 18 providesufficient strength and integrity to support the components for itsintended purpose in its intended environment. In addition, the outercircular members 16 and 18 may be substantially circular, oval oranother configuration which, in cooperation with the other components,encloses a typical brassieres 5. Furthermore, since brassieres come invarious shapes and sizes, the present invention and its components canbe modified (e.g. ribs 24 a and 24 b extended to a shorter or longerlength, outer circular members 16 and 18 having a smaller or largerradius) to accommodate the variety of brassieres without deviating fromthe present invention.

The various components of the present invention can be fabricated from avariety of polymeric materials including polyimide, polyethylene,polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polycarbonate, acrylic,polystyrene, ABS, nylon, delrin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET),fluorinated ethylene-propylene (FEP) or polytetrafluoro-ethylene (PTFE).In addition, other materials, such as polymer coated metallic materialsmight be used to fabricate the components of the present invention. Itis also contemplated that an assortment of materials might be used forthe components. For example, the latching mechanisms 34 a and 34 b andthe hinge mechanism 36 could be fabricated from a polymer coatedmetallic material whereby the outer circular members 16 and 18, ribs 24a and 24 b and centrally located apexes 20 and 22 could be fabricatedfrom a polymeric material. One design characteristic that is importantto the present invention is that components must not cause damage to thebrassier when in contact. Another design characteristic that isimportant to the present invention is that the components materials mustwithstand exposure to water and heating conditions without swelling ordeteriorating in typical washing operations.

The hinge mechanism 36 can consist of a number of designs employingtechnology already know to those skilled in the art. For example, thehinge mechanism 36 could be an indented polymer joint that is designedto withstand multiple folding operations. As another example, the hingemechanism 36 could consist of a pin assembly centrally located withinthe lumen of one or more tubular structures extending from the right andleft frame assemblies 12 and 14, connecting the frames frame assembliestogether in a foldable design.

The latching means 34 a and 34 b can consist of a number of designsemploying technology already know to those skilled in the art. Forexample, the right latching means 34 a can be press fitting intocorresponding left latching means 34 b, or vice versa. As anotherexample, right latching means 34 a might have a shaft with a rotatableor expandable structure that when inserted through the lumen of leftlatching means 34 b, the structure is deployed such that the rightlatching means 34 a shaft can not be pull-out without re-deploying thestructure.

Referring to FIG. 2, the typical brassiere to be used the presentinvention is generally composed of a right cup 7 and a left cup 8connected together with a connecting strap means 9. A plurality or backsecuring straps 6 generally extend from the side of each cup and aplurality of should straps extend from the top of each cup. A centerconnector piece 9 joins the right cup 7 and the left cup 8. There areother designs of brassieres that deviate from the example brassiere,such as strapless designs, that will still work with the presentinvention. To optimize the function of the present invention for variousbrassiere designs, minor deviations from the present invention designare anticipated.

Now referring to FIGS. 3-6, the preparation and operational steps arepresented. In FIG. 3, which illustrates a front perspective view of thepresent invention 10, shows the general components; a right 12 and left14 frame assembly, whereby each frame assembly is composes of acentrally located right apex 20 and left apex 22 which are connected toa right 16 and left 18 outer circular member with a series of ribs 24 aand 24 b. The hinge mechanism 36 connects the right frame assembly 16 tothe left frame assembly 19. Also shown is the latching means 34 a and 34b located attached to the outer circular members 16 and 18,respectively.

In FIG. 4, a typical brassier is positioned to the back side of thepresent invention 10 such that the right cup 7 of the brassiere issubstantially aligned and loosely contained within the right frameassembly 16 and the left cup 8 is substantially aligned and looselycontained within the left frame assembly 18. The straps 6 of thebrassiere can then be tucked within the corresponding cup (not shown).

As shown in the side perspective view of FIG. 5, the left frame assembly16 and right frame assembly 18 are now folded towards each other for asubstantially spherical shape whereby the hinge mechanism 36 is situatedalong a portion of the circumference of the folded configuration 42 andthe corresponding latching means 34 a and 34 b are engaged along anotherportion of the circumference of the folded configuration 42. Thebrassiere 5 is enclosed within the folded configuration 42 which issubstantially secured in this configuration by the cooperation of thehinge mechanism 36 and the latching means 34 a and 34 b. In this foldedconfiguration 42, the brassiere 5 is enclosed within the presentinvention 10 and protected from mechanical and physical damage that canoccur during washing operations. Also, in this folder confirmation, thedesign (rib structure) of the present invention 10 has a plurality ofopenings 26 and 28 which allows water and detergent materials topenetrated the openings and gain exposure to the brassiere 5. Theopenings 26 and 28 are large enough to allow an exchange of washingmaterials, facilitating the cleansing of the brassiere 5.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating the typical brassiere 5enclosed within the support device 10 in a folded configuration 42 andready for washing in a dishwasher or washing machine 44.

Various modifications can be made with the scope of the presentinvention which herein is being disclosed or claimed. Accordingly, it isintended that what is set forth should be regarded as illustrative ofsuch concept and not for the purposes of limiting protection of anyparticular embodiment thereof, and that only such limitation should beplaced upon the scope of protection to which the inventor hereof isentitled as justice dictates.

1. A device for washing a brassiere in a dishwasher or washing machinecomprising: an structure having a right frame assembly and a left frameassemble, said right frame assembly comprised of a substantiallycentrally located apex, said apex connected to one end of a plurality ofribs, an second end of said plurality of ribs connected to asubstantially circular outer member, said left frame assembly comprisedof a substantially centrally located apex, said apex connected to oneend of a plurality of ribs, an second end of said plurality of ribsconnected to a substantially circular outer member, said right frameassembly and said left frame assembly joined together with an hingemechanism; and said right frame assembly having a plurality of firstlatching means attached to the periphery of the right circular outermember, said left frame assembly having a plurality of second latchingmeans attached to the periphery of the left circular outer member, saidfirst plurality of latching means designed to engage said secondplurality of latching means when said structure is in a foldedconfiguration.
 2. A device for washing a brassiere as recited in claim 1wherein said structure is fabricated from a polymeric material.
 3. Adevice for washing a brassiere as recited in claim 1 wherein saidstructure is fabricated from a polymer coated metallic material.
 4. Adevice for washing a brassiere as recited in claim 1 wherein saidstructure is fabricated from an assortment of polymeric materials andpolymer coated metallic materials.
 5. A device for washing a brassiereas recited in claim 1 wherein said structure is designed to have an openconfiguration and a folded configuration.
 6. A device for washing abrassiere as recited in claim 5, wherein said structure is designed tocontain a brassiere when said structure is in a folded configuration.